Crisis averted for Venice athletics

VENICE — Athletics Director Pete Dombroski reported Wednesday that he passed a certification test, allowing him to remain in his current position as behavioral specialist.

His academic post now secure, Dombroski said he will also remain as director of athletics, leading one of the most successful sports programs in the state, including recent state titlists in volleyball and baseball and academic state champions in boys’ basketball and girls’ weightlifting.

The news also means successful football coach John Peacock’s job as a physical education teacher at the school is safe.

Had Dombroski failed the certification test, he would have moved into one of two physical education teaching jobs at Venice. Peacock, who had less seniority, likely would have been “surplused” — essentially, let go — forcing Venice to find a new football coach, too.

The potential double-whammy came on suddenly, Dombroski said.

Federal law requires teachers in Exceptional Student Education classes to pass certification tests. Because Dombroski is not a classroom teacher, he did not believe he was required to take the test.

Then, after being told it was necessary, Dombroski said he mistakenly picked the wrong test last week. Instead of picking history, a subject he minored in during college and for which he prepped, he chose science. He did not pass.

That left Dombroski the choice of retaking the test or moving to a physical education job. At first, Dombroski said he did not want to re-take the test. But he also felt that he could not remain as athletics director if his move to physical education forced the school to release Peacock.

So, Dombroski, who has been at Venice for 23 years, including three leading the sports programs, hastily resigned as athletics director on Sunday night. He emailed coaches, telling them he was stepping down.

“My first loyalty is to my coaches,” Dombroski said. “It was just a really emotional situation.”

But Dombroski credited Venice Principal Jack Turgeon with talking him into withdrawing his resignation as athletics director and taking the test again.

“I’m glad it worked out and I’m glad this is behind us,” Dombroski said. “Anyone who knows me knows how much I care about the kids in this community. Not just the high school. I’ve coached Pop Warner, YMCA, Little League . . . I’m glad to continue being part of athletics in Venice.”

Dombroski said he is also grateful that Peacock’s job will be unaffected and that he will continue to be the football coach.

“I’m sure this was stressful for John, too,” Dombroski said. “He’s done a great job and I’m glad nothing is going to change.”

Last modified: April 17, 2013
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published without permissions. Links are encouraged.